Window regulator

ABSTRACT

A vehicle window regulator which combines in a single unit means for supporting a window on a vehicle body for bodily movement between open and closed positions and means for laterally stabilizing the window, the window regulator including a first arm attached to the window for lateral rigidity and for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the window, a second arm connected to the window and to the first arm, and a lift arm connected to both the first and second arms. The first arm laterally stabilizes the window in the closed position thereof and the lift arm cooperates with guide means on the vehicle body in defining separate curvilinear paths of motion for the first and second arms, the curvilinear path of motion of the window between the open and closed positions being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of the first and the second arms.

United States Patent [4 1 Mar. 7, 1972 Lystad [54] WINDOW REGULATOR [72] Inventor: Leonard A. Lystad, Warren, Mich.

[73] Assignee: General Motors Corporation, Detroit,

[22] Filed: Nov. 2, 1970 [21] Appl. No.2 86,098

[52] US. CL ..49/227, 49/350 [51 Int. Cl. 05 1 1/52 [58] Field ofSearch ..49/227, 350, 351

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,020,040 2/1962 King et al ..49/227 2,862,703 12/1958 Leslie et al... ....49/227 2,876,003 3/1959 Probst ..49/227 Primary Examiner-Kenneth Downey Attorney-W. E. Finken and D. L. Ellis [57] ABSTRACT A vehicle window regulator which combines in a single unit means for supporting a window on a vehicle body for bodily movement between open and closed positions and means for laterally stabilizing the window, the window regulator including a first arm attached to the window for lateral rigidity and for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the window, a second arm connected to the window and to the first arm, and a lift arm connected to both the first and second arms. The first arm laterally stabilizes the window in the closed position thereof and the lift ann cooperates with guide means on the vehicle body in defining separate curvilinear paths of motion for the first and second arms, the curvilinear path of motion of the window between the open and closed positions being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of the first and the second arms.

4Claims, 7Drawing Figures SHEET 1 [IF 3 ATTORNEY WINDOW REGULATOR This invention relates generally to vehicle window regulators and in particular to a window regulator which incorporates lateral stabilizing means.

The trend in automobile design toward lower vehicles with increased window area significantly increases the difficulty of reducing to practice a window regulator which adequately performs the window guiding function and which is economical to manufacture and which occupies a minimum amount of space in the window storage well. The problem is compounded in those vehicles known as hardtop sedans wherein no window guides are provided above the vehicle belt line so that, in addition to the window regulator, window-stabilizing means are required below the vehicle belt line to impart lateral stability to the portion of the window above the belt line. As exemplified by Leslie, et al. US. Pat. No. 2,862,703, issued Dec. 2, 1958 and assigned to the assignee of this invention, the past practice has been to provide separate units for guiding the window between the open and closed positions and for imparting lateral stability thereto. This practice, however, usually results in a complicated structure which is relatively expensive to manufacture and which consumes valuable storage space in the window well. A window regulator according to this invention combines in a single relatively simple unit the window lifting and guiding function and the lateral stabilizing function.

The primary feature of this invention is that it provides a new and improved window regulator which incorporates into a single compact unit means supporting the window on the vehicle body for bodily movement between open and closed positions and lateral stabilizing means. Another feature of this invention is that it provides a window regulator including a first arm attached to the window for lateral rigidity and for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the window and guide means associated with the first arm defining therefor a curvilinear path of motion between an operative position in the closed position of the window extending a substantial distance below the vehicle belt line and cooperating with primary stabilizing means at the vehicle belt line to provide lateral window stability and an inoperative position in the open positionof the window oriented generally flush with an edge of the latter. Still other features of this invention reside, first, in the provision of a second arm connected to the window and, second, in the provision of guide means associated with the second arm defining a curvilinear path of motion therefor, the first and second arms cooperating to guide the window between the open and closed positions in a curvilinear path which is the resultant of the curvilinear paths of the first and second arms. Yet another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a common pivotal connection between the first and the second arms and a window lift arm supported on the vehicle body for pivotal movement, the lift arm thereby performing the dual function of driving the window between the open and closed positions and defining a component of the curvilinear paths of motion of each of the first and the second arms.

These and other features of this invention will be readily apparent from the following specification and from the drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a partially broken away fragmentary view of the right rear quarter of an automobile vehicle body, as seen from interiorly thereof, having a window regulator according to this invention and showing the window in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. I but showing the window in an intermediate position and an open position, respectively, in broken and solid lines;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the plane indicated by lines 44 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the plane indicated by lines S-5 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the plane indicated by lines 6-6 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken generally along the plane indicated by lines 7-7 in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a hardtop sedan-type automobile vehicle body 10, as viewed from the interior thereof, includes a roof structure 12 sloping downward toward the rear of the vehicle and merging with a right quarter panel structure 14. As seen best in FIGS. 1,2 and 6, the quarter panel structure includes an outer panel 16, an intermediate panel 18 hemmed flanged to theouter panel, and an inner panel 20. The roof structure 12 cooperates with the right quarter panel structure 14 in defining a longitudinally extending undivided window opening 22 the lower edge of which is defined by the vehicle belt line 23 and below which is situated a quarter window storage well 24 defined by the intermediate panel 18 and inner panel 20 of the right quarter panel structure. A right rear wheel house illustrated diagrammatically at 25 projects into the storage well 24 below a portion of window opening 22. The storage well 24 communicates with the window opening 22 through an elongated aperture 26, FIG. 6, situated at the belt line 23 and between inner panel 20 and outer panel 16 of the quarter panel structure. As seen best in FIG. 6, the outboard edge of aperture 26 is lined with a resilient seal 28 affixed to intermediate panel 18 and the inboard edge is lined with a similar resilient seal 30 afiixed to inner panel 20. A glass window 32 is adapted to selectively close the opening 22 and is supported on the vehicle body for bodily movement in a predetermined curvilinear path between a closed position, FIG. 1, sealingly closing the window opening 22 and an open position, FIG. 2, remote from the window opening and situated within the storage well 24 by a window regulator according to this invention designated generally 34.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the window regulator 34 includes a first arm 36. The first arm 36 includes a generally flat web portion 38 and a sidewall 40 extending perpendicularly thereto and substantially around the periphery thereof, the sidewall 40 being stepped or relieved, as at 42 in FIG. 4, to provide a raised U-shaped surface 43. A flat U-shaped flange member 44 is affixed to raised surface 43 on the sidewall 40, as by welding, and projects beyond the sidewall 40 on opposite sides of and across the top of the first arm 36. As seen best in FIG. 4, a rivet 46 affixed to the first arm 36 at the lower end thereof rotatably supports a roller follower 48, the latter being maintained in spaced relation to the arm by a spacer 50. The roller follower 48 guidingly engages a first cam channel 52 rigidly affixed to inner panel 20 of the right quarter panel structure by conventional means, not shown.

As seen best in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, and aperture 54 in the window 32 is situated generally adjacent the lower edge of the latter and receives a resilient grommet 56. A generally triangular bearing plate 58 having an integral flange 60, a circular embossed surface 62 with an aperture 64 situated in the center thereof, and a flat bearing surface 66 surrounding the embossed surface 62 abuts the window 32 over the resilient grommet 56, the aperture 64 being aligned with the grommeted aperture 54in the window. A reduced diameter portion of a pivot pin 68 projects through the aperture 64 in the bearing plate 58 and into the grommeted aperture 54 while a shoulder 70, FIGS. 4 and 5, on the pin engages the bearing surface 66. The pin 68 is rigidly affixed to the window by a nut 72 threadedly received on the end thereof and shoulder 70 simultaneously maintains the bearing plate rigid with respect to the window. Referring particularly to FIG. 4, a retaining member 74 including a web portion 76, an integral flat rear flange 78, and an integral front flange having a U-shaped recess 82 therein is rigidly affixed to the bearing plate 58, as by welding. The web 76 projects beyond the plane of bearing surface 66 on the bearing plate so that a gap exists between the front flange 82 and the bearing surface 66, FIG. 4.

As seen best in FIG. 4, an aperture 84 located at the center of curvature of the upper end of the first arm 36 rotatably receives the pivot pin 68 while flange member 44 on the first arm, at the top of the latter, is captured by flange 60 on the retaining member 58 and at the bottom, on opposite sides of the first arm, is captured between the front flange 80 on the retaining member and the bearing surface 66. The pivot pin 68 thus supports the first arm 36 on the window in lateral rigidity and for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the latter defined by the pin. Movement of the first arm relative to the window is restricted to only pivotal movement in a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis by cooperation between the flanges 60 and 80 and flange member 44 while adequate lubrication between the face of flange member 44 and bearing surface 66 minimizes the effect of friction. Since the aperture 84 in the first arm is at the center of curvature of the upper end thereof, the flange member 44 remains in constant engagement with the flanges 60 and 80 as the first arm pivots about pin 68 so that the first arm is always laterally rigid relative to the window.

Referring to FIG. 3, the window regulator further includes a second arm 86 having a lower flat portion 88 and a channel extension portion 90 rigidly affixed to the flat portion 88 by rivets 92. The flat portion 88 is rotatably supported generally centrally thereof on a hollow rivet 94, FIG. 4, rigidly affixed to the first arm 36, the second arm 86 being spaced outboard of the first arm by a spacer 96 supported on the rivet 94 and the channel extension 90 opening outwardly, FIG. 7. A roller follower 98, FIG. 3, is rotatably supported on a rivet 100 affixed to the flat portion 88 and is guidingly received in a second cam channel 102 rigidly secured to inner panel of the right quarter panel structure by conventional means, not shown. As best seen in FIG. 7, the channel extension 90 of the second arm guidingly receives a roller follower 104 supported on a shaft 106 projecting through a second grommeted aperture 108 in the window 32, the shaft 106 being retained in the grommeted aperture by a nut 110.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the window regulator 34 includes a lift arm 112 pivotally supported at 114 on a mounting plate 116 rigidly affixed to the quarter panel structure by conventional means, not shown. A selectively operable reversible electric motor 118 is secured to the mounting plate 116 and, through a conventional gear reduction arrangement, not shown, functions to pivot the lift arm 112 between a raised position, FIG. 1, corresponding to the closed position of the window and a lowered position, FIG. 2, corresponding to the open position of the window. As seen best in FIG. 4, a ball stud 120 rigidly afi'ixed to and projecting perpendicularly to the plane of the lift arm is received within a socket member 122 mounted within the hollow rivet 94 affixed to the first arm 36 and is retained in the socket member by a peened over portion of the rivet. The first arm, the second arm, and the lift arm are thus connected for relative pivotal movement about a common axis.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in the closed position of the window 32 the first arm 36 assumes an operative position disposed generally vertically and forming a rigid extension of the window projecting substantially below the lower edge of the window and the vehicle belt line. A pair of primary lateral stabilizers 124, FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, are secured to the right quarter panel structure adjacent the vehicle belt line 23, each primary stabilizer including a rubber or plastic bumper 126 attached to intermediate panel 18 and a similar rubber or plastic bumper 128 attached to a bracket member 130 secured to the inner panel 20. The bumpers 126 and 128 slidingly engage opposite sides of the window 32 to restrict lateral movement of that portion of the window adjacent thereto. Similarly, cam channel 52 functions through roller follower 48 and rivet 46 to restrict lateral movement of the lower end of the first arm 36 so that lateral movement of that portion of the window projecting above the belt line 23 is resisted by the first arm functioning as a lever about a fulcrum defined by the primary stabilizers 124. The degree of lateral stability achieved is directly proportional to the depth of which the first arm projects below the primary stabilizers, this depth being limited, however, by various design factors such as the movement required of the window and the size of the storage well. In practice, a first arm, which in the closed position of the window, extends approximately one third of the distance between the belt line 23 and the bottom of the storage well has been found to provide satisfactory lateral stability.

As seen best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cam channels 52 and 102, through the roller followers 48 and 98 and rivets 46 and 100, respectively, constrain the lower ends of the first and second arms 36 and 86, respectively, to move in predetermined paths. Similarly, the ball stud 102, which is constrained by the lift arm 112 to move in an arcuate path about pivot 114 as the lift arm pivots between the raised and lowered position, constrains a point on each of the first and second arms spaced from respective ones of the rivets 48 and 98 to move in that arcuate path. The lift arm 112 thus cooperates with the cam channels 52 and 102 in defining separate curvilinear paths of motion for the first and second arms.

From the raised position of the lift arm 112 and the closed position of the window, FIG. 1, clockwise pivotal movement of the former initiates rearward and downward movement of the first and second arms at the point of connection of each with the lift arm. The cam channels 52 and 102 are tailored to constrain the lower end of each arm to move initially in a path generally parallel to the path of the first-mentioned point on each arm so that the first and second arms remain essentially fixed with respect to each other. Consequently, initial clockwise pivotal movement of the lift arm from the raised position causes rearward and downward movement of the window from the closed position, FIG. 1, to an intermediate position 32', FIG. 2. During such movement the lateral stability of the window increases as a result of the increased distance between the lower end of the laterally rigid first arm and the primary stabilizers 124.

Continued clockwise pivotal movement of the lift arm 112 beyond the position thereof corresponding to intermediate position 32' of the window is accompanied by relative pivotal or folding movement of the first and second arms about ball stud 120 as a result of divergence between cam channels 52 and 102. Relative to the vehicle body, the lift arm 112 and cam channel 52 constrain the first arm 36 to simultaneously descend and rotate clockwise, FIGS. 1 and 2, about ball stud 120 so that pivot pin 68 on the window is moved downwardly and rearward relative to the vehicle body. Similarly, the lift arm 112 and second cam channel 102 constrain the second arm 86 to simultaneously descend and rotate counterclockwise, FIGS. 1 and 2, about ball stud 120 so that the forward portion of the window is also constrained to move down. Because the first and second arms are of unequal length the forward portion of the window is constrained to move downward faster than the rearward portion so that the window descends and simultaneously rotates counterclockwise, FIG. 2, the roller follower 104 moving along channel portion on the second arm to accommodate the lost motion between the window regulator and the window. As the lift arm achieves the lowered position the roller follower 98 on the second arm contacts a stop 132 on the second cam channel and the first arm 36 assumes an inoperative position, the first and second arrns orienting the window in the storage well 24 such that the lower edge thereof is juxtaposed to the wheel house 25. As seen best in FIG. 2, in the open position of the window and the inoperative position of the first arm 36, the latter is oriented generally flush with the lower edge of the window so as to permit optimum utilization of available space in the storage well, this being a significantly difi'erent orientation relative to the window than the operative positions wherein the first aim is oriented generally perpendicular to the lower edge.

When it is desired to close the window opening 22, the electric motor 118 is activated in a reverse direction to pivot the lift arm 112 counterclockwise from the lowered to the raised ascending from the open position, through position 32', to the closed position. The window 32 may, of course, be held in any position between the open and closed positions by merely deactivating the electric motor. In any such position satisfactory lateral stability is achieved through cooperation between the primary stabilizers 124 and the first arm 36 which always remains laterally rigid relative to the window.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

1. In a vehicle body including a window opening and a window well adjacent said window opening and communicating therewith through an aperture, the combination comprising, a window adapted for bodily movement in a path through said aperture and between a closed position in said opening and an open position in said well remote from said opening, lateral stabilizing means on said vehicle body engageable on said window to prevent lateral movement of that portion of said window adjacent thereto, a first arm, means supporting one end of said first arm on said window for pivotal movement relative thereto about a fixed axis of said window and maintaining said first arm laterally rigid relative to said window, guide and follower means on the other end of said first arm and on said vehicle body restricting lateral movement of said other end and defining a path of motion for said other end, drive means on said vehicle body movable between a raised position and a lowered position, means connecting said drive means to said first arm at a location thereon intermediate the ends thereof to constrain said first arm at said intermediate location to move in a predetermined path in response to movement of said drive means between said raised and said lowered positions, said guide and follower means cooperating with said drive means in defining a curvilinear path of motion for said first arm between an operative position in said raised position of said drive means and said closed position of said window wherein said first arm extends a substantial distance below said lateral stabilizing means and an inoperative position in said lowered position of said drive means and said open position of said window wherein said first arm lies generally flush with an edge of said window, said first arm in said operative position thereof cooperating with said lateral stabilizing means in preventing substantial lateral movement of any part of said window, a second arm, means attaching said second arm to said window generally adjacent one end of said second arm, guide and follower means on the other end of said second arm and on said vehicle body defining a path of motion for said other end, and means connecting said second arm at a location thereon between the ends thereof to said drive means for pivotal movement relative thereto and to said first arm so that said drive means and said second guide and follower means cooperate in supporting said second arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path in response to movement of said drive means between said raised and said lowered positions, the path of said window being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of said first and said second arms.

2. In a vehicle body including a window opening and a window well below said window opening and communicating therewith through an aperture, the combination comprising, a window adapted for generally vertical bodily movement in a path through said aperture and between a closed position in said opening and an open position in said well remote from said opening, lateral stabilizing means on said vehicle body adjacent said aperture and engageable on said window to prevent lateral movement of that portion of said window adjacent thereto, a first arm, means supporting one end of said first arm on said window for pivotal movement about a first fixed axis thereof and maintaining said first arm laterally rigidly relative to said window, a first cam channel, means rigidly supporting said first cam channel on said vehicle body, a first roller follower, means supporting said first roller follower on the other end of said first arm, said first roller follower guidingly engaging said first cam channel and cooperat ing therewith in defining a path of motion for said other end and restricting lateral movement of said other end, a lift arm, means supporting said lift arm on said vehicle body for pivotal movement between a raised position and a lowered position, drive means selectively operable to pivot said lift arm between said raised and said lowered positions, means connecting a distal end of said lift arm to said first arm at a location on the latter intermediate the ends thereof, said lift arm defining a path of motion for said first arm at said intermediate location and cooperating with said first cam channel and said first roller follower in defining a curvilinear path of motion for said first arm between an operative position in said raised position of said lift arm and said closed position of said window wherein said first arm extends a substantial distance below said lateral stabilizing means and an inoperative position in said lowered position of said lift arm and said open position of said window wherein said lift arm lies generally flush with an edge of said window, said first arm in said operative position thereof cooperating with said lateral stabilizing means in preventing substantial lateral movement of any part of said window, a second arm having a cam channel portion, a second cam channel, means rigidly securing said second cam channel to said vehicle body, a second roller follower, means supporting said second roller follower on one end of said second arm, said second roller follower guidingly engaging said second cam channel and the latter defining a path of motion for said one end of said second arm, a third roller follower, means supporting said third roller follower on said window for rotation about a second fixed axis of the latter, said third roller follower guidingly engaging said cam channel portion of said second arm generally adjacent the other end of the latter, and means connecting said second arm at a location thereon between the ends thereof to said lift arm for pivotal movement relative thereto and to said first arm about a common axis with said first arm so that said lift arm and said second cam channel and said second roller follower cooperate in supporting said second arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path in response to movement of said lift arm between said raised and said lowered positions, the path of said window being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of movement of said first and said second arms.

3. In a window regulator mechanism adapted to move a window in a curvilinear path between an open position and a closed position relative to an opening in a vehicle body and including a control arm connected to said window and supported on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path, said window being laterally stabilized solely by stabilizing means on said vehicle body generally adjacent an edge of said opening defining an axis of lateral tilt for said window, the improvement comprising, a combination control and stabilizing arm, means supporting said combination arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path between an operative position corresponding to the closed position of said window wherein one portion of said combination arm is situated a substantial distance from said axis of lateral tilt and an inoperative position corresponding to the open position of said window, means attaching said combination arm to said window for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the latter, restraining means on one of said window and said combination arm, restrained means on the other of said window and said combination arm engageable on said restraining means in the operative position of said combination arm, said retrained and said restraining means cooperating in effecting substantial lateral rigidity between said window and said combination arm in the operative position of the latter, and means on said combination arm and on said vehicle operative in the operative position of said combination arm to prevent lateral movement of said one portion thereof so that said combination arm cooperates with said stabilizing means in maintaining said window substantially laterally rigid with respect to said vehicle body, the path of motion traversed by said window between the open and the closed positions thereof being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of motion of said control arm and said combination arm.

4. In a window regulator mechanism adapted to move a window between an open position and a closed position relative to an opening in a vehicle body and including a control arm con nected to said window and supported on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path, said window being laterally stabilized solely by stabilizing means on said vehicle body generally adjacent an edge of said opening defining an axis of lateral tilt for said window, the improvement comprising, a combination control and stabilizing arm, guide and follower means on said vehicle body and on one end of said combination arm defining a path of motion for said one end of said combination arm and preventing lateral movement of said one end relative to said vehicle body, a lift arm supported on said vehicle body for movement between a raised position and a lowered position, means connecting said left arm to said combination arm at a location on the latter intermediate the ends thereof, said lift arm defining a path of motion for said intermediate location of said lift arm and cooperating with said guide and follower means in supporting said combination arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path between an operative position corresponding to the closed position of the window wherein said one end of said combination arm is situated a substantial distance from said axis of lateral tilt and an inoperative position corresponding to the open position of said window, means attaching said combination arm to said window for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the latter, restraining means on one of said window and said combination arm, and restrained means on the other of said window and said combination arm engageable on said restraining means in the operative position of said combination arm, said restrained and said restraining means cooperating in effecting substantial lateral rigidity between said window and said combination arm in the operative position of the latter and said combination arm cooperating with said stabilizing means in maintaining said window substantially laterally rigid with respect to said vehicle body, the path of motion traversed by said window between the open and the closed positions thereof being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of motion of said control arm and said combination arm. 

1. In a vehicle body including a window opening and a window well adjacent said window opening and communicating therewith through an aperture, the combination comprising, a window adapted for bodily movement in a path through said aperture and between a closed position in said opening and an open position in said well remote from said opening, lateral stabilizing means on said vehicle body engageable on said window to prevent lateral movement of that portion of said window adjacent thereto, a first arm, means supporting one end of said first arm on said window for pivotal movement relative thereto about a fixed axis of said window and maintaining said first arm laterally rigid relative to said window, guide and follower means on the other end of said first arm and on said vehicle body restricting lateral movement of said other end and defining a path of motion for said other end, drive means on said vehicle body movable between a raised position and a lowered position, means connecting said drive means to said first arm at a location thereon intermediate the ends thereof to constrain said first arm at said intermediate location to move in a predetermined path in response to movement of said drive means between said raised and said lowered positions, said guide and follower means cooperating with said drive means in defining a curvilinear patH of motion for said first arm between an operative position in said raised position of said drive means and said closed position of said window wherein said first arm extends a substantial distance below said lateral stabilizing means and an inoperative position in said lowered position of said drive means and said open position of said window wherein said first arm lies generally flush with an edge of said window, said first arm in said operative position thereof cooperating with said lateral stabilizing means in preventing substantial lateral movement of any part of said window, a second arm, means attaching said second arm to said window generally adjacent one end of said second arm, guide and follower means on the other end of said second arm and on said vehicle body defining a path of motion for said other end, and means connecting said second arm at a location thereon between the ends thereof to said drive means for pivotal movement relative thereto and to said first arm so that said drive means and said second guide and follower means cooperate in supporting said second arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path in response to movement of said drive means between said raised and said lowered positions, the path of said window being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of said first and said second arms.
 2. In a vehicle body including a window opening and a window well below said window opening and communicating therewith through an aperture, the combination comprising, a window adapted for generally vertical bodily movement in a path through said aperture and between a closed position in said opening and an open position in said well remote from said opening, lateral stabilizing means on said vehicle body adjacent said aperture and engageable on said window to prevent lateral movement of that portion of said window adjacent thereto, a first arm, means supporting one end of said first arm on said window for pivotal movement about a first fixed axis thereof and maintaining said first arm laterally rigidly relative to said window, a first cam channel, means rigidly supporting said first cam channel on said vehicle body, a first roller follower, means supporting said first roller follower on the other end of said first arm, said first roller follower guidingly engaging said first cam channel and cooperating therewith in defining a path of motion for said other end and restricting lateral movement of said other end, a lift arm, means supporting said lift arm on said vehicle body for pivotal movement between a raised position and a lowered position, drive means selectively operable to pivot said lift arm between said raised and said lowered positions, means connecting a distal end of said lift arm to said first arm at a location on the latter intermediate the ends thereof, said lift arm defining a path of motion for said first arm at said intermediate location and cooperating with said first cam channel and said first roller follower in defining a curvilinear path of motion for said first arm between an operative position in said raised position of said lift arm and said closed position of said window wherein said first arm extends a substantial distance below said lateral stabilizing means and an inoperative position in said lowered position of said lift arm and said open position of said window wherein said lift arm lies generally flush with an edge of said window, said first arm in said operative position thereof cooperating with said lateral stabilizing means in preventing substantial lateral movement of any part of said window, a second arm having a cam channel portion, a second cam channel, means rigidly securing said second cam channel to said vehicle body, a second roller follower, means supporting said second roller follower on one end of said second arm, said second roller follower guidingly engaging said second cam channel and the latter defining a path of motion for said one end of said second arm, a third roller follower, means supporting said tHird roller follower on said window for rotation about a second fixed axis of the latter, said third roller follower guidingly engaging said cam channel portion of said second arm generally adjacent the other end of the latter, and means connecting said second arm at a location thereon between the ends thereof to said lift arm for pivotal movement relative thereto and to said first arm about a common axis with said first arm so that said lift arm and said second cam channel and said second roller follower cooperate in supporting said second arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path in response to movement of said lift arm between said raised and said lowered positions, the path of said window being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of movement of said first and said second arms.
 3. In a window regulator mechanism adapted to move a window in a curvilinear path between an open position and a closed position relative to an opening in a vehicle body and including a control arm connected to said window and supported on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path, said window being laterally stabilized solely by stabilizing means on said vehicle body generally adjacent an edge of said opening defining an axis of lateral tilt for said window, the improvement comprising, a combination control and stabilizing arm, means supporting said combination arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path between an operative position corresponding to the closed position of said window wherein one portion of said combination arm is situated a substantial distance from said axis of lateral tilt and an inoperative position corresponding to the open position of said window, means attaching said combination arm to said window for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the latter, restraining means on one of said window and said combination arm, restrained means on the other of said window and said combination arm engageable on said restraining means in the operative position of said combination arm, said retrained and said restraining means cooperating in effecting substantial lateral rigidity between said window and said combination arm in the operative position of the latter, and means on said combination arm and on said vehicle operative in the operative position of said combination arm to prevent lateral movement of said one portion thereof so that said combination arm cooperates with said stabilizing means in maintaining said window substantially laterally rigid with respect to said vehicle body, the path of motion traversed by said window between the open and the closed positions thereof being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of motion of said control arm and said combination arm.
 4. In a window regulator mechanism adapted to move a window between an open position and a closed position relative to an opening in a vehicle body and including a control arm connected to said window and supported on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path, said window being laterally stabilized solely by stabilizing means on said vehicle body generally adjacent an edge of said opening defining an axis of lateral tilt for said window, the improvement comprising, a combination control and stabilizing arm, guide and follower means on said vehicle body and on one end of said combination arm defining a path of motion for said one end of said combination arm and preventing lateral movement of said one end relative to said vehicle body, a lift arm supported on said vehicle body for movement between a raised position and a lowered position, means connecting said left arm to said combination arm at a location on the latter intermediate the ends thereof, said lift arm defining a path of motion for said intermediate location of said lift arm and cooperating with said guide and follower means in supporting said combination arm on said vehicle body for movement in a curvilinear path between an operative position corresponding to the closed position of The window wherein said one end of said combination arm is situated a substantial distance from said axis of lateral tilt and an inoperative position corresponding to the open position of said window, means attaching said combination arm to said window for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of the latter, restraining means on one of said window and said combination arm, and restrained means on the other of said window and said combination arm engageable on said restraining means in the operative position of said combination arm, said restrained and said restraining means cooperating in effecting substantial lateral rigidity between said window and said combination arm in the operative position of the latter and said combination arm cooperating with said stabilizing means in maintaining said window substantially laterally rigid with respect to said vehicle body, the path of motion traversed by said window between the open and the closed positions thereof being the resultant of the curvilinear paths of motion of said control arm and said combination arm. 